Diamonds - Introduction
The Basics
A diamond is a form of carbon that was created deep within the core of the earth more than 3 billion years ago and brought to the surface by volcanic eruption. After the magma cooled, it solidified into kimberlite, where the precious rough diamond is still found today.
In diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, like a pyramid. Each link or bond is the same length, and the tetrahedral formation is therefore completely regular. It is the strength and regularity of this bonding which makes diamond very hard, non-volatile and resistant to chemical attack. Theoretically a perfect diamond crystal could be composed of one giant molecule of carbon.
Carbon is a non-metallic element with the atomic number of 6, and an atomic Weight of 12. In combination with oxygen and hydrogen it is contained by all living objects. In the form of graphite it appears black or dark gray, opaque, and is very soft, whereas in the form of diamond is it clear, colourless, and extremely hard. Diamond is highest on the scale of hardness (rated 10 on the Mohs scale) and is the hardest known naturally occurring substance.
Diamonds have since early man been a fascination. The Romans thought diamonds were splinters from falling stars while the Greeks regarded the sparkling gems as tears of the gods. It is a derivation of the Greek word "adamas," meaning unconquerable, that gave the diamond its name.
What makes a Diamond Special?
The colourless beauty and inner fire of the diamond has made this precious gem cherished for centuries. No two diamonds can ever be the same and each stone encompasses complex characteristics.
A diamond is the hardest substance known to man. When cared for properly, diamond jewellery can be worn every day and passed on to generation after generation.
Although new resources for diamonds are being explored and discovered, the supply of diamonds remains limited. More than 250 tons of ore is needed to produce just one carat of rough diamond. Furthermore, only 20 percent of all rough diamonds are suitable for gem cutting.
The diamond claimed its place as the primary token of love toward the end of the 15th century, when Austrian Archduke Maximilian gave the first diamond engagement ring to his fiancé. It was placed on the fourth finger of her left hand, because that finger was believed to route with the vein of love that passed directly to the heart.
Most of the diamonds sparkling on fingers today are more than 70 million years old!
History Of Diamonds
It is thought that the earliest diamonds were found in about the 12th century B.C. Diamonds have since been discovered in many other regions of the world, including Russia and Australia.
The first recorded history of the diamond dates back over 3,000 years to India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to reflect light. The popularity of diamonds surged during the Middle Ages, with the discovery of many large and famous stones in India, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope.
During the Dark Ages were used for some time as medical aid. It was thought that a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses. Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of curing sickness.
During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the value of diamonds, rather than the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the worth of diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was to prevent the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.
India remained the most important, if not the sole, source until 1725, when diamonds were discovered in Brazil. The Indian and Brazilian deposits had been almost exhausted when, in 1866, the Eureka diamond was discovered near the Orange River in South Africa, followed by the Star of South Africa in 1869. Shortly afterwards, the great South African diamond rush had started, and South Africa remains one of the world's most important sources of diamonds today.
During the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were also discovered in eastern Australia where in the late 70s geologists found the richest diamond deposit in the world, which today is responsible for producing over a third of the world's diamonds every year.
Diamonds Are Forever
Although diamond prices fluctuate these sparkling gemstones still retain value after years of being worn and enjoyed.
Throughout history, diamonds have been represented as symbols of love. These enduring stones bring much joy especially when celebrating life’s great occasions such as an engagement, marriage or the birth of a child. However, waiting for an occasion to arise can be tedious... so why not wear diamonds everyday ‘just because?’